Driving a new approach to treating uveitis
GR001348
29 November 2024
We’re supporting a Research Training Fellowship that aims to investigate the possibility of using a new form of gene therapy to treat uveitis.
Early diagnosis of uveitis is very important, because if left untreated, eyesight can be seriously damaged.
What is uveitis?
Learn more
Uveitis refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which is called the uvea. It may be idiopathic or associated with an underlying systemic disease or infection. It can also follow an injury.
1 in 1000
individuals are affected by uveitis
Dr Alan Abraham, a research training fellow in ophthalmology at the University of Bristol, is exploring the possibility of using a form of gene therapy which works by altering a person’s own white blood cells and then transplanting them back to treat the disease. This approach has had significant success in treating cancers.
This research has the potential to benefit patients across London, the UK and around the world by advancing a novel therapeutic in the treatment of patients with uveitis, a significant cause of blindness and disrupted quality of life.
Dr Alan Abraham, research training fellow in ophthalmology
It will help us to understand how the therapy works in uveitis, how effective it is, how best to deliver the therapy to the eye and for how long the therapy lasts.
The same therapy could also be applied to treat other immune-mediated eye conditions such as scleritis, keratitis, transplant rejection, and to improve other types of eye gene therapy.
Patient stories
We’re funding groundbreaking research that could transform lives affected by uveitis.
Emily’s uveitis story
Annie’s story: the Birdshot Uveitis Society
Project Details
Research Training fellowship
Dr Alan Abraham
Uveitis
£249,462
August 2021
GR001348
